Warm audio adds more body to the material, harmonic content somewhere in the low-mid range as well as the top. KT is more transparent with less affect on the raw track.
Warm Audio Is a dope company, but if I was going to get an LA2A type compressor I'd get one from AudioScape or Stam Audio. I invested in a compressor that blows these right out. It's the LL2A from a company called Little Labs. It's like three compressors in one for 900 bucks, and even has mastering fidelity capabilities with just one unit. State of the art. Now THAT'S a REAL COMPRESSOR!!!! Google it.
it really goes to show how much you have to get it right on the way in, right mic, right preamp, if you get that right, you don't have to fuss with eq's and compressors much.
The Warm has got an upgraded Kenetek T4b OptoCell and upgraded tubes. These parts are all socketed and simple swaps. Doing these easy upgrades makes a very similar improvement to what you can hear between the Klark and Warm units but still keeps the overall cost to half of what the WA-2A costs or less!
It actually has nothing to do with that. It's on the transformers and output capacitor. You would have to replace transformers, tubes, T4B, output capacitor, roughly 400 USD plus shipping on parts.
@@testosterona7143 Let's not forget that as soon as you swap out a component (like the optocell) you would need to recalibrate the meters, because it will no longer read correctly.
While the Klark Teknik didn’t sound terrible, as compared to their Pultec style EQ, it took away a lot of the low end. The Warm Audio seemed to enhance it slightly. I would definitely buy the Warm Audio over the Klark Teknik, hands down.
@@levijessegonzalez3629 Do you know of any resources/videos that demonstrates the KT-EQ with quality results? I haven't been able to locate any for myself so far, and the 2 KT-EQ units that I tested in person negatively affected the source materials. In fact the sound was downright terrible. I could have been testing faulty units. I'm not out to bash any companies. I actually love the fact that we have multiple companies building classic circuits in bulk giving customers access to quality, cost effective, products.
Thanx for this one. Best demo of the Klark On YT. I have one on order as well as a Black Lion 2TBLA opto-attenuator upgrade for it. For $99usd, I think it’s well worth it to get it closer to a real LA-2A. Will consider swapping out the tubes after a few test runs. I have several different valves on hand already including some NOS RCA el84’s and original Mullard 12ax7’s. Will just need to pickup the 12BH7 if I decide to mod the tube compliment. Again, thanx for the vid. It included all the instruments I was hoping to hear run thru it except drums. But beggars can’t be choosers lol.
Thanks for a great comparison video, leaning towards buying a KT-2A if I can find one as they seem to be discontinued since 2021? Plan to mod it if so and what is the best mod to find in Europe or is it just the Black lion that exist?
Thanks a lot for your comment! Apparently they changed the name from KT-2A to 2A-KT (but same unit). They should be back in stock in Europe soon (according to my sources). As for the Optocel upgrade, you got 3 options: Kenetek, Black Lion or IGS Audio. They are have a similar price range and sound very good.
@@RedStoneProductions Thanks for getting back to me, sent some email requests to various dealers here in northern Europe but they have no info whatsoever so hopefully your sources are correct :-)
The quality of both are comparable (I can hear the difference) but the question is, how long does the Klark Teknik version last? I wouldn't want to purchase it and have to buy another one a year or so later. I'm leaning towards the WA because of the price...I'd rather pay $900 and it lasts longer than going cheaper and have to replace it soon.
I think the Klark will last a one time. If it breaks after 10 years, you could sell it for spare parts and buy a new one. Typically over time, the capacitors need to be replaced
I think you can improve the kt by swapping transformers.....Those cimemags sound awesome my reference: the switchable transformer outputs on WA's bus comp) If I'm totally wrong please somebody tell me
KT a little bit smoothed, but not bad. Maybe tube swap to Telefunken... Nah... too expensive. Tung-Sol or EH, something like that will make it brighter/cleaner. Thanks for a video!
I VASTLY prefer the Klark-Teknik over the Warm. The latter has a really cloudy, boomy sound in these examples. The Warm was good on the rocking electric guitar but i would not use a LA-2A in that application. Today I just got my second KT-76, killer boxes and the KT-2A is definitely on my shopping list.
Thanks for your comment Andi. I have watched your youtube videos and I love your playing style man. Keep up with it and let me know if you would be interested in a collaboration.
Thanks for your comment Phil. I can agree with your take on it. Pretty sweet on the low end and by modding them, I could make them sound sweeter on Mids and Highs (I believe).
Only listening on phone speaker so I can't talk about the low end. The Warm sounds thinner whereas the KT adds some thickness. Generally it seemed to be about slightly different flavours though the Warm didn't like the strummed acoustic and the KT didn't flatter the strummed electric. Again, just talking mids and highs on this listening device but that's why for me the phone speaker check is as important for the high end as the car speaker check is for the low end. If I was running a studio I'd buy both products.
_If you hold that power in your hands, you shouldn't be such a selfish man, just listen to me, I got a few words to say!_ Dude sounds just like Bas Rutten. Funny af
The Klark sounds super dull. Surprised on how poor the frequency response is. Ir ruined the acoustic guitar track. Not a big fan of Warm but they sound much better than the Behringers on here.
The original LA-2A also darkens the sounds as do many tube compressors. They round off the high end and many (me included) like this. WARM makes it brighter which I don't like, because this is something FET compressors usually do, so WARM would not be my choice for pairing with 1176, but KT would be, because it would soften its edge.
@@synesthetica No, it's actually meant to be flat. Warm is not brighter than the original. Regardless, there are much better options out there than these 2.
Thanks for your input here Joshua. Great to actually have a great set of ears giving an honest opinion, I have heard the Stam sa2a and it’s phenomenal!! How do you rate the behringers pultec clone? Do you have plans for your own?
The quality of both are way better than plugins! That's all I have to say
Warm audio adds more body to the material, harmonic content somewhere in the low-mid range as well as the top. KT is more transparent with less affect on the raw track.
Stay tuned because we got something special to compare with these 2 units coming up soon!!
I agree
Well... You get what you pay for. The Warm sounds like Magic to me. I'm sold. Thanks for the Sound clips.
Warm Audio Is a dope company, but if I was going to get an LA2A type compressor I'd get one from AudioScape or Stam Audio. I invested in a compressor that blows these right out. It's the LL2A from a company called Little Labs. It's like three compressors in one for 900 bucks, and even has mastering fidelity capabilities with just one unit. State of the art. Now THAT'S a REAL COMPRESSOR!!!! Google it.
it really goes to show how much you have to get it right on the way in, right mic, right preamp, if you get that right, you don't have to fuss with eq's and compressors much.
The Warm has got an upgraded Kenetek T4b OptoCell and upgraded tubes. These parts are all socketed and simple swaps. Doing these easy upgrades makes a very similar improvement to what you can hear between the Klark and Warm units but still keeps the overall cost to half of what the WA-2A costs or less!
Audio Lion offers a T4b OptoCell as well. Would you prefer the Kenetek ones over these?!
What tubes would you suggest to swapp out in the Teknik ? I just bought one along with the T4b OptoCell .
It actually has nothing to do with that. It's on the transformers and output capacitor. You would have to replace transformers, tubes, T4B, output capacitor, roughly 400 USD plus shipping on parts.
@@testosterona7143 Let's not forget that as soon as you swap out a component (like the optocell) you would need to recalibrate the meters, because it will no longer read correctly.
where can I buy these parts?
While the Klark Teknik didn’t sound terrible, as compared to their Pultec style EQ, it took away a lot of the low end. The Warm Audio seemed to enhance it slightly. I would definitely buy the Warm Audio over the Klark Teknik, hands down.
agree it sounds better but i did feel like the KT could've used another 1db or so of makeup gain
the KT eq is their best offering. what are you talking about
@@levijessegonzalez3629 Do you know of any resources/videos that demonstrates the KT-EQ with quality results? I haven't been able to locate any for myself so far, and the 2 KT-EQ units that I tested in person negatively affected the source materials. In fact the sound was downright terrible. I could have been testing faulty units. I'm not out to bash any companies. I actually love the fact that we have multiple companies building classic circuits in bulk giving customers access to quality, cost effective, products.
agree.. you tweak that eq only to find that bypass sounds best
I really like how the Klark Teknik sounds on acoustic, liked the Warm Audio on vocals more
That was the only sample where the KT had the edge over the WA for me
super helpful, LOVED the 4-way comparison. much appreciated and you have another subscriber 😆
Awesome, thank you!
WA seems more transparent... less top end loss... honestly both sounded good to me, different flavors of the same great compression
I really love my KT 2a, what a unit
Very informative video. I’ve been trying to figure out which unit I’m going to buy next and now I’m pretty sure.
Which one are you/did you buy?
Glad it was helpful!
That second singer....quite unique . Lol I enjoyed
lol
My thought exactly. I would like to hear the song 😄
"If you hold that power in your hand, you shouldn't be such a selfish man. Just listen to me, I've got a few words to say"
Thanx for this one. Best demo of the Klark On YT. I have one on order as well as a Black Lion 2TBLA opto-attenuator upgrade for it. For $99usd, I think it’s well worth it to get it closer to a real LA-2A. Will consider swapping out the tubes after a few test runs. I have several different valves on hand already including some NOS RCA el84’s and original Mullard 12ax7’s. Will just need to pickup the 12BH7 if I decide to mod the tube compliment. Again, thanx for the vid. It included all the instruments I was hoping to hear run thru it except drums. But beggars can’t be choosers lol.
Thanks a lot for your comment. Stay tuned for more!
thanks for sharing! liked and subscribed.
Nicely presented, thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Klark teknik isn’t a bad option if all you’re looking for is compression and no color. Warm has a nice color. Either is a good option!
Well my Kt 2a has a really nice color. It really changes the sound and the character.
Love mine 😄
I am defo buying the warm one😊
Thanks for a great comparison video, leaning towards buying a KT-2A if I can find one as they seem to be discontinued since 2021? Plan to mod it if so and what is the best mod to find in Europe or is it just the Black lion that exist?
Thanks a lot for your comment! Apparently they changed the name from KT-2A to 2A-KT (but same unit). They should be back in stock in Europe soon (according to my sources). As for the Optocel upgrade, you got 3 options: Kenetek, Black Lion or IGS Audio. They are have a similar price range and sound very good.
@@RedStoneProductions Thanks for getting back to me, sent some email requests to various dealers here in northern Europe but they have no info whatsoever so hopefully your sources are correct :-)
I think the Klark has a brighter sound. The Warm Audio one might be better for distorted guitar. I like the Klark better. It seems more versatile.
The best compressor for distorted guitar is the amp, because it's compressed, that's why they're distorted.
The quality of both are comparable (I can hear the difference) but the question is, how long does the Klark Teknik version last? I wouldn't want to purchase it and have to buy another one a year or so later. I'm leaning towards the WA because of the price...I'd rather pay $900 and it lasts longer than going cheaper and have to replace it soon.
I think the Klark will last a one time. If it breaks after 10 years, you could sell it for spare parts and buy a new one. Typically over time, the capacitors need to be replaced
There is a ten year warranty on the Klark Teknik
Great review thanks guys
Thanks for watching!
The KT hands down.
I think you can improve the kt by swapping transformers.....Those cimemags sound awesome my reference: the switchable transformer outputs on WA's bus comp) If I'm totally wrong please somebody tell me
I think that's exactly what the difference is although I'm not a huge fan of cinemag...in these examples that's def what makes it sound more 3d
KT a little bit smoothed, but not bad. Maybe tube swap to Telefunken... Nah... too expensive. Tung-Sol or EH, something like that will make it brighter/cleaner. Thanks for a video!
Get them both.
I VASTLY prefer the Klark-Teknik over the Warm. The latter has a really cloudy, boomy sound in these examples. The Warm was good on the rocking electric guitar but i would not use a LA-2A in that application. Today I just got my second KT-76, killer boxes and the KT-2A is definitely on my shopping list.
Thanks for your comment Andi. I have watched your youtube videos and I love your playing style man. Keep up with it and let me know if you would be interested in a collaboration.
@@RedStoneProductions Thanks so much, I'm definitely up for a collaboration, just let me know.
What tubes would be good to upgrade on the Klark Teknik KT-2A ? I already purchased the T4b OptoCel
any tubes that operate at spec are fine. You would be hard pressed to tell the difference between tubes as long as they are in spec.
The reissued Mullard tubes are good for the 12ax7 type tubes. Tube Amp Doctor brand also makes good tubes even though I think they are made in China.
What happened to your X-Desk?
It's right there next to me.
Those are tube compressors?
Yep they got tubes in their circuits!
KT units sound harsher on the top end & are lacking in the low-mids.
Thanks for your comment Phil. I can agree with your take on it. Pretty sweet on the low end and by modding them, I could make them sound sweeter on Mids and Highs (I believe).
RedStone Productions how can you modd it?
Yea I felt the same way. Its a great unit tho
@@RedStoneProductions Care to elaborate on the modding process?
Only listening on phone speaker so I can't talk about the low end. The Warm sounds thinner whereas the KT adds some thickness. Generally it seemed to be about slightly different flavours though the Warm didn't like the strummed acoustic and the KT didn't flatter the strummed electric.
Again, just talking mids and highs on this listening device but that's why for me the phone speaker check is as important for the high end as the car speaker check is for the low end. If I was running a studio I'd buy both products.
warm has the bigger sound and depth over the klark. not by much but its noticeable
2:45
2:53
The KT sounds tinny
4:26
4:36
4:45
Klark Teknik KT-2A🤑
Klark missing body.
_If you hold that power in your hands, you shouldn't be such a selfish man, just listen to me, I got a few words to say!_ Dude sounds just like Bas Rutten. Funny af
The Klark sounds super dull. Surprised on how poor the frequency response is. Ir ruined the acoustic guitar track. Not a big fan of Warm but they sound much better than the Behringers on here.
The original LA-2A also darkens the sounds as do many tube compressors. They round off the high end and many (me included) like this. WARM makes it brighter which I don't like, because this is something FET compressors usually do, so WARM would not be my choice for pairing with 1176, but KT would be, because it would soften its edge.
@@synesthetica No, it's actually meant to be flat. Warm is not brighter than the original. Regardless, there are much better options out there than these 2.
Thanks for your input here Joshua. Great to actually have a great set of ears giving an honest opinion, I have heard the Stam sa2a and it’s phenomenal!! How do you rate the behringers pultec clone? Do you have plans for your own?
Correction, do you have plans to build more?
Klark sound like--ish LOL give me the Warm for 800 Alex....